Command Comfort Blog : Archive for September, 2014

Air conditioners have an average lifespan of about 12 years, so if your AC is getting close to that age, or is older, it may be time to consider replacing it. Replacing your air conditioning doesn’t have to be an inconvenience; in fact, a new air conditioner can offer you the opportunity to install a system that may be better suited to your needs. But deciding whether or not to replace is the first step in the process, and to help you, the certified technicians at Command A/C have put together a list of factors to consider:

How Old Is Your Air Conditioner?

As we mentioned above, the average lifespan of an air conditioning system is 12 years; this can stretch to 15 years if the system has been well-maintained. However, once an air conditioner reaches a certain age, it may not be able to cool as you need, and making costly repairs may not be worth it.

Does Your Air Conditioner Use R-22 (Freon)?

Age is part of the equation when considering your replacement and the type of refrigerant your system uses is, too. This is because R-22, also known as Freon, has been in phase-out since the 1990s, and by 2020, won’t be available at all. Right now, R-22 is available for recharge only; you can no longer purchase a system that is made with R-22. Unfortunately, you can’t put another type of refrigerant in your system, so there is no ability to switch to another type of refrigerant. The bottom line: if you have an air conditioner that uses R-22, you are paying a lot for any recharges, plus you are going to have to replace your system anyway.

Does Your AC Need A Lot Of Repair?

If your air conditioner requires frequent repairs, it may be time to consider where your money is better spent. This is particularly important if your air conditioner has reached a certain age.

The question of whether to repair or replace an existing AC is one that many homeowners face. If you think it’s time to replace your air conditioning in Cypress, CA, call the people who can help you from start to finish: Command A/C.

*Command A/C no longer services zone control systems. For a full list of our air conditioning services, look here!

During a heat wave, many homeowners look for new ways to save money on their energy bills. You run your air conditioner throughout the day to cool your entire home even though you may not use many of these rooms for long periods of time. You can increase the efficiency of your air conditioner by taking advantage of a programmable thermostat, changing the air filter once a month, and scheduling maintenance every year. But one of the best ways to save money while staying comfortable in any room of the house is with a zone control system.

What Is Zone Control?

A zone control system, installed as an extension of your HVAC system, allows for more even cooling in homes with multiple stories or unique architectural designs, or you can vary the temperature in different rooms, or zones, of the home. When you call for zone control installation, a technician will install a set of dampers throughout the ductwork in various zones. Every damper is connected to its own thermostat, or you can control each zone with a master thermostat. When you raise or lower the temperature, the damper closes or opens to adjust the temperature in that area only. Not only does this help family members to be more comfortable, but it can also save you a lot of money every month.

How Zone Control Helps with Energy Efficiency

Unoccupied Rooms: Throughout the day, some of the rooms in your home are likely unoccupied. With a zone control system, you can shut off the air to these rooms only in the day time, which will have a significant impact on your bills.

Two-Story Home: Similarly, you can turn up the air on one floor of a multi-story home when only a single part is occupied. Besides, two-story homes are difficult to cool evenly, but with thermostats in multiple zones on both floors you can keep the first and second story comfortable and use less energy in the process.

Unique Architectural Features: It also takes more energy to cool some rooms with architectural features like vaulted ceilings or large windows. Zone control can help you target these areas so you won’t use energy cooling your entire home.

If you want to make your family more comfortable and save a lot of money in the process, call the experts at Command A/C. We install zone control and can give you tips for more efficient air conditioning in Cypress, CA. Give us a call!

There are some small components in your air conditioner that can have a big impact on how it operates. One such component is the capacitor. Capacitors are used in many appliances because they help store and regulate electrical voltage. Capacitors are used in your air conditioning to start the AC cycle and keep it running evenly. Due to their smaller nature, many people think it’s easy to switch out a capacitor should it start to malfunction, and it is – if you have expert knowledge of electrical systems. If you don’t, it’s best to call professionals, like the ones at Command A/C.

Why Does an Air Conditioner Need Capacitors?

Whole-home air conditioning systems run on an electrical circuit known as single phase. This means that your air conditioner operates from a power source (your electrical box) with singular distribution of alternating current electric power (AC power). With this type of power supply, the voltages vary in unison, meaning they come all at once and have various voltages. The varying nature of the power requires the use of components that can a) help your air conditioner motor start and; b) keep it running evenly even though the electrical current is uneven. This is where capacitors come in.

Two Types of Capacitors

There are two types of capacitors in your air conditioner:

Start capacitor

Run capacitor

Start Capacitor

There are three motors in your air conditioning system: the blower (fan) motor, the condenser fan motor and the compressor motor. Each needs a large load of electricity to start up. The start capacitor helps provide this burst of energy to the motor so that it has the power to start. The torque measures about double the amount of the system’s voltage.

Run Capacitor

The main job of the run capacitor is to keep the motor to which it’s attached running at full power. To do this, the capacitor helps smooth the “bumps” of the uneven voltage, and then conducts the power to the motor in an even way, as the motor needs it. Feeding your motor the right amount of power keeps it operating optimally and efficiently.

Capacitors are important components of your air conditioning system, but any repairs involving them should be handled by a trained professional. If you suspect you may have a capacitor issue, call Command A/C today and schedule your AC service in Cypress, CA with one of our experts.

Even though summer is coming to a close, you can still maintain and improve energy efficiency. One of the best ways to do this is to make repairs as quickly as possible. There are a number of problems that can affect the energy efficiency of your air conditioning, and we’ll outline three of them here today. But whatever your repair needs, always call the people you can trust: Command A/C.

3 Common Problems That Can Affect Energy Efficiency

Refrigerant Leaks

Refrigerant leaks can occur in multiple places in your air conditioning system. The refrigerant in your system has to be at an exact amount for your AC to work properly; leaks lower the amount of the refrigerant, putting stress on the system. Anytime your AC has to work harder to achieve your set temperature, it uses more power to do so, increasing its energy usage.

Clogged Air Filters

The air filter in your air conditioning system should be changed every 3 months as it can become clogged. Clogged air filters restrict air flow in your system, which can cause a decrease in cooling. Restricted air flow also forces your system to work harder to cool your home, which can increase its energy usage.

Dirty Coils

Your air conditioner has two sets of coils: the evaporator coils and the condenser coils. During normal usage, dirt and dust can build up on the coils. If they are not cleaned annually, this buildup can become a layer that acts as insulation on the coils. This layer can interfere with the heat release/cooling process of the refrigerant cycle, which stresses your AC.

Even though the end of the cooling season is near, it’s still important to maintain your energy efficiency. Making repairs as soon as possible helps you maintain your energy efficiency and keep your air conditioning running optimally. Also, scheduling bi-annual maintenance in fall and spring can help with all of these problems. If you are experiencing issues with your air conditioner, call Command A/C and schedule AC service in Cypress, CA with one of our experts today.